Posts tagged Teacher
Jeanine Beylefeld

Bachelor of Education (Primary and ECE), Bachelor of Education (Psychology of Education)

In 2008, my husband and I moved to New Zealand where I helped establish and manage one of the largest preschools in Takapuna for 10 years. After maternity leave, I returned to Primary Education as a relief teacher in Auckland before moving to Ahuroa when I began teaching at Horizon.

I have the privilege of teaching the youngest students in our school. Their passion and enthusiasm for life drive me. I believe in making the classroom a fun-filled space where everyone is accepted and inspired to reach their full potential. My role is fostering a love for learning and school, setting them up well for future years.

When I'm not at school, I enjoy spending my time doing anything creative. I love DIY projects and interior decorating.

Read More
Katherine Wyllie

Bachelor of Arts, Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching

Ko Katherine Wyllie tēnei. I have been teaching for six years. I have just returned to teaching after having my lovely daughter.

I am a kaiako in the New Entrant space here at Horizon School. I love supporting tamariki as they make the transition to school life. I am a passionate junior teacher.

I spend a lot of time with my whānau and friends outside of school.

Read More
Allyson Peddle

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)

My family and I live on a farm in the Omaha area. I have 2 teenage daughters and my husband is a farm manager.

I am a primary school teacher and have taught in a variety of schools for almost 20 years. My passion is to make each pupil feel important.

I feel blessed to be working here at Horizon, as I really enjoy interacting with children, and to be a part of this staff who are so passionate about what they do.

I also look after our school library and am privileged to be working with a fantastic team of dedicated volunteers.

Read More
Vanessa Holdsworth

B-Prim Ed

I moved her from South Africa 16 years ago. I am married, Have two sons and a super cute granddaughter. Horizon School has been a real calling for my life. God has truly blessed our time here, and given us strong ties into the community.

My roles within the school vary as a teacher, team leader and WSL Kahui Ako leader. I love working with the students and building relationships with them.

I have learnt to bike ride and have been on many (easy) mountain bike adventures. Our favourite caravan holiday is somewhere with a cycleway. When I am in the forest either walking or cycling I seem to feel God's presence more and my soul is restored.

Read More
Stacey Marfleet

Bachelor in Education, postgraduate in digital leadership

I am born and raised in Waitakere. After schooling I travelled to England to work and explore Europe. When I returned, I studied teaching while also working as a Swim Coach. My first teaching position was in West Auckland in an Enviro School surrounded by NZ Native bush. I left West Auckland to be closer to family, the beach and a smaller community. I am married and have 3 beautiful girls

My role at Horizon is to support the year 3/4 children through their education. I enjoy getting to know the children and whanau, learning about their passions and exploring new learning together.

In my free time I enjoy swimming, bush walks, learning about the environment, being outside with my kids, movie nights and baking.

Read More
Simon Bartlett

Bachelor of Teaching

My teaching career began in the Waikato before working in a specialist role in South Auckland. I then spent nine years teaching in the UAE in the Middle East before returning back to Aotearoa to work in a Special Education school in Hamilton.

My primary role at Horizon is Deputy Principal but I am also a classroom teacher. I am committed to raising achievement for all learners by fostering an inclusive and culturally responsive environment that promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance for all.

I live locally with my amazing wife Carmel who also works here at Horizon and two children. I enjoy skateboarding, experiencing live music, mountain biking, exploring local beaches, and have recently taken up surfing.

Read More
Grace Presland-White

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary), Bachelor of Sport and Recreation

I grew up in the local area and have a very strong connection to this beautiful place we call home. I am married with 3 children who attend Horizon School and love being connected to our local church.

I recently moved from teaching new entrant Tamariki, to teaching year 5/6. I love connecting with the heart of each learner and seeing them understand new concepts. I am also passionate about seeing the Special Character of our school flourish in the lives of all our learners.

I enjoy being active in the beautiful outdoors, reading a good book and drinking coffee.

Read More
Paul Dawson

Bachelor's Degree in Business Admin, MBA, Diploma in Teaching (secondary)

Originally starting life overseas, I grew up in Los Angeles and I have also lived in San Francisco and London. I then made the move to New Zealand in 2019. I am married and have two daughters who are students here at Horizon.

I teach Maths, Business Studies, STEM, and Formation. I enjoy empowering and encouraging young people.

My hobbies include rock-climbing, snowboarding, spear-fishing, wakeboarding, and SCUBA diving.

Read More
Roushan Johnson

BA (Hons) Air Transport Management with Commercial Pilot License, BEng Aerospace Engineering, PG Diploma Secondary Education (Maths and Science)

Originally from Wales, I trained to be a pilot originally – studying in the UK and America.

I teach Maths, Physics and Engineering. In 2024 we have introduced Evolocity – a connected programme where senior students study both tech and physics credits whilst carrying out hands-on learning to build a motorised vehicle. I love that at Horizon we combine year groups and subjects so that the learning the students do is connected to real life rather than siloed

I love football. I play football for Warkworth Football Club and help Warkworth fun football league, where I am currently coaching my sons team 'Arsenal'.

Read More
Deborah Steele

BA, BTchg (Secondary) Dip Christian Leadership

I am a rural girl at heart. Being brought up on a farm in Northland meant I learnt the value of hard work and team work. I love all things nature and love adventures - especially travel! I love spending time with my husband and two girls – camping, hiking, water activities!

As the Assistant Principal, I aim to see students and staff flourish and thrive at Horizon School. People matter to me and it's why I do what I do. I love the family vibe at Horizon and the way that people are able to belong, no matter their differences.

Performing Arts is a passion of mine. I write plays, perform, direct, and especially love musicals.

Read More
Robin Stephen van Niekerk

Bachelor of Education (Honours), Bachelor of Arts, Primary Teacher Diploma

I am originally from Durban, South Africa. I arrived in New Zealand in 1997. I am married to Odette and we have two sons, Byron (38) and Lance (35)

My primary role is to teach and support the students in front of me. However my pastoral role at Horizon School depends on me establishing good relationships with my colleagues, the students and their whanau. I enjoy the "challenges" of successful dispute resolution.

My work-life balance is maintained by my involvement in sport. I referee adult football on Saturdays, enjoy watching UFC and most importantly, spending time with my wife and sons.

Read More
Sarah Welch

Bachelor of Science (Biology), Bachelor of Arts (History) Grad Dip Teach

Originally from Snells Beach, I spent time in Wellington for University and South Auckland where I taught for 7 years. In 2017 I returned to Snells Beach with my husband and two daughters who go to Horizon.

I love teaching and can't imagine ever doing anything else. It is such a privilege to walk alongside these fabulous young people during their years at College. I love that at Horizon the students are known and that their interests and passions are encouraged.

Outside of school, I love to go camping or spend time at the beach with my whānau. I also enjoy baking, reading, David Attenborough docos, and learning photography.

Read More
Adrien Alldridge

Masters in Geography, Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.

I have recently returned to teaching having spent the last 20 years in church leadership, first as a Youth Pastor and most recently as Lead Pastor of a church my wife and I started in Bournemouth, on the south coast of England.

I’m really excited to be back teaching, and am enjoying trying to get the very best out of the Year 9 and 10 students in the College. I love to encourage and empower people in the hope that they can flourish and thrive. My wife is on staff here and our 3 children attend the school as well, so our whole family are at Horizon, and we all love the very special culture and community here.

Read More
Maddie Long

PGCE Secondary Education, Ba HONS Design Technology for the Fashion Industry from the London College of Fashion

I'm originally from the UK. I came to New Zealand with my husband 18 years ago to teach at Mahurangi College. After some years raising a family, then working as a magazine editor I decided it was time to return to teaching.

I love thinking up new and exciting ways for students to experiment and learn. I find the school very caring and the students have a great sense of humour with a willingness to try new things.

Dog walking, shopping, watching movies, eating and playing cards with my family – that would be my ideal day!

Read More